“Use of the Delaware Library Catalog yields data on areas of public interest, and that guides our strategies. Another source of information comes through ‘Geek the Delaware Dream,’ which asks participants what they ‘geek,’ and about their passions and dreams for themselves and their communities. Specific partnerships and programs will come from their input.”

--Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director, Delaware Division of Libraries

The Grants to States Program

The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.

Recent Allotments

Project Examples

Delaware Libraries: We Geek the Delaware Dream
The Delaware Division of Libraries launched the Delaware Libraries: We Geek the Delaware Dream initiative to help Delawareans realize their dreams for the future and to position public libraries as change agents in their communities. Together with partners, they facilitated community conversations at six public libraries throughout the state and then provided learning opportunities and community collaborations based on what they learned. Participants shared their dreams for themselves and their families, for their community, for the state, and for their library, which were sorted by Dewey Decimal categories and are being used to develop new programs and partnerships. This project builds from the strengths of the Delaware Libraries Community Resources Exchange, which brings social service organizations, agencies, and public libraries together as partners, as well as from Delaware’s more general Geek the Library campaign, which increased awareness of the overall value of Delaware’s public libraries.
IMLS Funds: $49,190

Delaware Library Catalog
Through the Delaware Library Catalog, the Delaware Division of Libraries provides seamless, statewide access to books and other resources, accessible by all Delawareans. The Delaware Library Catalog includes over 2.5 million items and encompasses all 33 public libraries, two bookmobiles, four Delaware Technical and Community College libraries, as well as academic, school and special libraries across the state. This single statewide integrated library system (ILS) allows participating libraries to streamline processes and access books, e-books, databases, emerging technologies and other resources statewide. Registered borrowers comprise more than 60 percent of the state’s estimated population, and the service is one example of how libraries continue to level the playing field between the haves and have-nots.
IMLS Funds: $726,407

Economic and Employment Development

Ensure the continuation of the Job Center @ Delaware Libraries program to enhance workforce development activities.

Support the Job/Learning Labs initiative that focuses specifically on the needs of the unemployed, with training for creating a resume, conducting an online job search, and learning interview skills.

Institutional Capacity

Continuing Education

Support staff development through our Library Assistant Learning Institute.

Continue to support the study and implementation of measures that improve the efficiencies of our internal processes and enhance our ability to direct our attention to additional services for the public.

Human Services

Special Services for Special Needs

Focus on serving the needs of the blind and physically handicapped through carefully considering the options for special electronic equipment and programs.

Consider extending our services to homebound individuals.

Health and Social Services Information

Continue to support the Delaware Library Community Resources Exchange (CRE), an initiative through which our libraries coordinate information from over 152 non-profit organizations and public agencies that serve people in need. The themes are divided as follows: